Ausgrid Ourimbah Depot

This demanding, large-scale industrial project was set to operate across a 36,000m sqm site. Efficient coordination of heavy vehicle circulation, pedestrian movement, training facilities and stormwater management had to be achieved.

 

Our team were briefed to create architecture that consolidated established depots across the Central Coast region, resulting in an array of built features that included administrative and training facilities, workshops, storage and parking.

 

Highly visible from the main roads and F1 Freeway, this depot facility was resolved using clever urban design principles supported by the local Council. The resulting administration facility has a clean, modern aesthetic and includes office, conferences, staff areas, amenities, staff and visitor parking and outdoor training facilities incorporated into the design space for future growth.

 

SHAC also designed amenities for field staff and secure parking for service vehicles such as semi-jinkers/EWPS/trucks, trailers, vans/utes and 4WDs.

 

The Depot includes large areas of indoor and outdoor covered storage, service bay garage workshops, wash-bays, bicycle storage and a recycling and waste collection area.

 

Good architectural principles of sustainability and efficiency guided the design throughout. Passive solar features, natural ventilation for workshops and stores, energy efficient lighting and careful management of water use through rainwater capture and reuse and low flow fixtures were incorporated into the design.

 

Impacts of the industrial site and its activities for local flora and fauna and nearby residences were also accounted for through sophisticated stormwater and waste management facilities, and the retention of existing mature trees and vegetation for visual amenity, privacy, shade and streetscape appeal.

 

For SHAC’s architects, the design challenge was significant. It required working cooperatively with a large group of stakeholders, user groups, existing depot staff and current practices, and developing a strategy for staged change that included and empowered everyone. This included combining Ausgrid West Gosford Depot, Ausgrid Noraville Depot and Ausgrid House at Tuggerah Business Park.

 

SHAC collaborated successfully with the full team at Ausgrid and managing contractor Hansen Yuncken, providing architectural services from masterplanning and concept design through to construction.